Waterfall Hikes Near San Diego, CA

3,046,560 residents
Los Angeles Time Zone
6 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

San Diego waterfalls run on winter rain, and by June most are down to a trickle. Cedar Creek Falls near Ramona drops 80 feet into a pool people swim in, 6.6 miles round trip with 1,000 feet of climbing. Maidenhair Falls hides up Hellhole Canyon in Anza-Borrego, six miles and 900 feet of gain. Green Valley Falls in the Cuyamacas keeps it short at a mile and a half, dogs allowed. Six falls sit within the radius.

Located at 32.8313°N, -117.1222°W

Map of Waterfalls Near San Diego

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

6 of 6 gauged

1 of 6 waterfalls near San Diego is flowing strongly today

Updated about 3 hours ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

This Afternoon

Sunny · 86°F

Aft 86°F Sunny Best
Sat 86°F Mostly Sunny
Sun 85°F Mostly Sunny
Mon 84°F Mostly Sunny
Tue 84°F Partly Sunny
Wed 82°F Mostly Sunny
Thu 81°F Mostly Sunny

Flowing best right now near San Diego

Updated about 3 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Washtub Falls Strong · 0 cfs 78th percentile

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near San Diego (1 waterfall)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

47.6 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around San Diego (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

41.6 miles away
California
Hard
6.6 miles 1,000 ft
41 miles away
California
Moderate
1.5 miles 300 ft

All 6 Waterfalls Near San Diego

41.6 miles away
California
Hard
6.6 miles 1,000 ft
47.6 miles away
California
Easy
1.5 miles 200 ft
41 miles away
California
Moderate
1.5 miles 300 ft
20.7 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
30.2 miles away
California
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
41.7 miles away
California
Moderate
6.0 miles 900 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near San Diego

Are there easy waterfall hikes near San Diego?

There is 1 easy waterfall hike near San Diego, including Green Valley Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in San Diego?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near San Diego, including Cedar Creek Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near San Diego?

There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near San Diego, including Green Valley Falls.

Can you swim in any waterfalls near San Diego?

There are 2 waterfalls that allow swimming near San Diego, including Cedar Creek Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near San Diego?

The shortest waterfall hike near San Diego is Cedar Creek Falls at 1.5 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near San Diego?

The tallest waterfall near San Diego is Cedar Creek Falls at 80 feet.

Do any waterfalls near San Diego require permits?

Yes, 1 waterfall near San Diego requires a permit. Check individual trail pages for current permit details.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around San Diego?

Yes, 6 waterfalls near San Diego have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to San Diego?

The closest waterfall to San Diego is Cedar Creek Falls, approximately 24.3 miles away.

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